Meet a Maker: Ashley Buchanan and Loring Taoka

One thing is for sure: Artists Ashley Buchanan and Loring Taoka have a sense of humor (pictured above holding containers of powder coating color,) and we couldn’t be more excited to host them this spring for a trifecta of events:

May 9th 5:30-6:30pm – Meet-a-Maker Artist Lecture with Loring Taoka and Ashley Buchanan;

May 9th-10th – Trunk Show featuring their newest jewelry lines;

May 10th-11th -?Makin’ It Pop?- a jewelry making, color on metal two day workshop.?

Below Artist Loring Taoka answers some questions about his artwork and Ashley Buchanan shows us some technical process shots from her studio.?

Loring Taoka?

1) How would you describe your medium?

I pick materials based on how well I think they will translate my ideas–if it doesn’t accomplish what I want it to, I try something else. This leaves a lot of room to experiment and gives me the ability to question and think through what I’m doing.

2) What themes seem to occur/reoccur in your work?

I am always drawn to the idea of how things can function in two seemingly different arenas and questioning what that means.

3) Can you tell us a little about one of your favorite pieces that you’ve created?

I was pretty happy with the results I had working with reflective mylar. It was easy to manipulate, but difficult to do exactly what I wanted. It forced me to not be so strict with my ideas and allowed me to work through them faster. Pictured below.

4) What is your favorite thing or what are you most excited about seeing when visiting the City of Pittsburgh?

I am most excited about seeing my friends. There are a lot of awesome people in Pittsburgh and I can’t wait to eat lots of food with them. I’m also very excited about food.

Ashley Buchanan?

Below are some photos of Ashley working in her studio, the same processes that will be taught in the weekend workshop!!!

For more information on Ashley Buchanan and Loring Taoka’s Weekend Workshop click here?or call Contemporary Craft at 412.261.7003